Leafs Go The Distance In Win

Joffrey Lupul's second of the game tied it in the third and sent the game to overtime. In OT, Mikhail Grabovski was hooked on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. He was stopped by Tim Thomas. With the Leafs killing a late penalty, Tim Brent got down and blocked two Zdeno Chara shots as the Leafs hung on to get to the shootout.

Nazem Kadri was the second Leafs' shooter and used nifty mitts to beat Thomas. James Reimer stopped Rich Peverley for the win.

It was by far Joffrey Lupul's best game since joining the Maple Leafs. Lupul not only made sure the Leafs had a point by scoring two goals, he also picked up an assist on Luke Schenn's first period goal.

Lupul has gotten more comfortable with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak and the points are starting to come. Lupul has picked up six points in his last five games and he did a great job of going to the front of the net on his first goal. He had three points, 17 minutes and three hits.

This was a total team effort and there were many players who helped the Leafs pick up the two points. Luke Schenn rebounded and had another stellar game with two points. James Reimer once again stood tall in the shootout and at the end of overtime.

Jay Rosehill played just 5:12 but his fight with Milan Lucic turned the tide for the Leafs. Tim Brent got down and blocked Zdeno Chara's shots in overtime. A great game by all 20 players in Blue and White.

The number five has two significant meanings after the win over Boston. Entering the third period, the Leafs had just four wins this season when trailing after 40 minutes. Thanks to the win, they now have five and it keeps their playoff hopes going.

The other thing that the win did was put the Leafs five points back of the eighth place Rangers. With just four games to go, the Leafs are need to win out to hope to catch the Rangers or Buffalo.

Ron Wilson's thoughts after the win over the Bruins:
 
"I thought we had a great first period, we made a couple of mental mistakes in the second that they took advantage of and we hung in there. In the third we pushed the pace. We were rewarded to get to overtime and almost won it with Grabo but we will take the shootout."

Game Notes:
The Maple Leafs play their second last road game against their provinical rivals in the final meeting between the two teams this season.

The Senators have been playing better of late having won three of their last five games. They have lots of young players in the lineup and sit 14th in the East.